Master Class: Chemical Agent Threats – Release to Remediation

Chemical terrorism is now typically described as a "high probability" event. Chemical Warfare agents (CWAs) and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) represent a diverse class of agent now usable in a terrorist attack, and the threat potential of CWAs and TICs cannot be underestimated. For example, the deliberate release of Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury, UK in March of 2018 not only resulted in a human fatality but also rendered civilian areas of Salisbury unusable for many months. This followed the use of the VX nerve agent in Malaysia against the half-brother of North Korea’s leader in 2017, as well as the repeated and documented use of chemical weapons in Syria over the past six years.

The aim of this CBRN-UK Masterclass, being held in association with The Emergency Planning Society, is to introduce attendees to the risks associated with a chemical incident and the measures that may be taken to respond to such incidents.

Programme:

Key note presentations and industry demonstrations will provide attendees with an increased understanding of the UK response to a deliberate or accidental chemical release, as well as on the latest procedures and technologies that can be used to mitigate chemical threats. The programme will include presentations of key aspects of the response to a chemical incident including the UK response to such incidents as well as case studies of previous biological events. Invited speakers include representatives of Dstl, Public Health England, Health and Safety Laboratory and others.